‘Owl Fest Auction’ bidding under way
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife online fundraiser replaces Burrowing Owl Day event this year
While residents won’t be able to enjoy Cape Coral’s annual Burrowing Owl Festival this year due to COVID-19, there’s still an opportunity to support the local organization that makes it happen while having a chance at taking home a great prize.
In lieu of the usual festivities, the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife will hold an online “Owl Fest Auction” to generate funding to continue their mission of protecting and conserving Cape Coral’s wildlife.
“The auction came as a creative way to try and raise money without having the festival this year,” said CCFW Vice President Pascha Donaldson. “It’s also another way to put people in contact with our non-profit organization and let them know they’re helping to improve their community.”
The auction website opened for viewing Sunday, Feb. 7, and bidding begins on the 17th. The auction features more than 50 selections that span a wide-range of interests, from art to tickets to a show or game, gift cards, baskets, nature tours, rounds of golf and much more. The auction will close on Feb. 27 at 11 p.m.
The Burrowing Owl Festival (in what would be its 19th year) is the largest nature festival in South Florida and CCFW’s primary fundraising effort, generating thousands of dollars annually.
Donaldson said without the event, it would be difficult to continue with their many activities that include burrowing owl burrow maintenance, butterfly house tours, purple martin monitoring and maintenance, community education, and the purchase of conservation land in Cape Coral for endangered wildlife.
“It will definitely affect how we do things,” she said. “Being a year behind will be tough. We’re hoping the community will purchase our wide variety of auction items and know the money is going towards a good cause.”
The ongoing pandemic has resulted in many taking to the outdoors and has increased the interaction between humans and nature.
CCFW officials said state and national parks have been busier than ever with individuals looking to get some fresh air and explore their surroundings.
Even locally there has been an increase in park-goers.
“People flocked to such places as Rotary Park in Cape Coral and Lakes Park in Fort Myers,” said CCFW Publicist Lori Haus-Bulcock. “Many experienced the joy that woodlands, rivers, and bays bring for the very first time. Joy fosters concern and concern fosters action.”
For more information on CCFW, its mission, how to get involved and to view the online auction, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org.